Crop production in a changing climate: Impacts and adaptive strategies

Abstract

Climate change significantly impacts crop production through rising temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, and increased greenhouse gas concentrations. These changes threaten global food security by affecting plant growth, yield, and nutritional quality. Elevated CO2 levels may enhance photosynthesis in C3 plants but can also alter crop physiology, nutrient composition, and water-use efficiency. Additionally, climate change intensifies biotic stresses such as pests and diseases. Adaptation strategies, including stress-tolerant crop varieties, precision farming, improved irrigation, and genomic advancements like CRISPR, are crucial to ensuring agricultural sustainability. By integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices, crop resilience can be enhanced, securing food production in the face of environmental challenges.